Hemorrhoids or Genital Warts?
A new bump near the anus reasonably raises the question of which of these two very different things it is — and while they can look similar at a glance, a few details usually help sort it out.
What points to a hemorrhoid
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels, often triggered by straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, or prolonged sitting. They tend to be smooth, somewhat soft or spongy, and are frequently associated with pain, itching, or bleeding specifically during or after a bowel movement. External hemorrhoids can look bluish or purple if a blood clot has formed inside one (a thrombosed hemorrhoid), which is more painful than a typical hemorrhoid.
What points to a genital wart (HPV)
Genital warts tend to have a rougher, sometimes cauliflower-like texture, grow gradually over weeks, and often appear in small clusters rather than as a single smooth swelling. They're generally painless, and unlike hemorrhoids, aren't specifically linked to bowel movements or straining.
When It's Worth Testing
If a bump has a rough or wart-like texture, is growing gradually, or appeared after anal sex, it's worth getting checked for HPV rather than assuming it's a hemorrhoid. A doctor or dermatologist can usually tell the two apart on a physical exam quickly.
Related Testing Topics
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